What could be more breathtaking than a gorgeous diamond tiara? Perhaps a bracelet studded with rubies, or a necklace that wreathes your collarbone in emeralds?
I bring you the Royal Jewels, steeped in history and adding sparkle to the most famous royal women of our time. These pieces are the basics that every new royal watcher should be able to recognize instantly.
Most of the jewels were acquired by or customized by Queen Mary, grandmother of the present queen. Queen Mary had a certain knack for obtaining jewels (and other precious antiques), whether by purchase or carefully dropped “hints”, which were more akin to boulders being dropped on butterflies.
Her capacity to collect never diminished, even in her later years. So when the women of the British Royal Family adorn themselves in rich, sparkling diadems or brooches, they have the former German princess Mary of Teck to thank. Profusely.
The photos seen are from the book “The Queen’s Jewels” by Leslie Field. Many are reprinted in the book with the gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen.
In This Section:
The Rose of York . Princess Elizabeth’s Birthday Bracelet . The Prince Philip Wedding Bracelet . The Queen’s Engagement Ring
The Rose of York BraceletAs a new bride, Queen Mary – then known as Princess May – was given this gorgeous piece of jewelry in the style of a York Rose. Upon her marriage to Prince George, the Duke of York, she became the Duchess. The rose is a symbol of England, and of the warring houses of Lancaster and York*.
*Note: This royal couple would undergo many title changes throughout the years. Prince George was originally styled as the Duke of York since he was the second son, superseded by his elder brother Eddy, the Duke of Clarence. When Eddy died, George became the new heir. When their father became king, George was appointed Prince of Wales.
Princess Elizabeth’s Birthday BraceletKing George VI gave Princess Elizabeth this unusual bracelet on the occasion of her 18th birthday. It contains several baguette diamonds and square-cut sapphires.
The Prince Philip Wedding Bracelet
This was given to Princess Elizabeth by her new husband, Prince Philip. This, of course, helped to highlight the Princess’ lovely engagement ring, made from the diamonds of Philp’s mother’s old tiaras. The prince’s mother was Princess Alice of Greece.
I bring you the Royal Jewels, steeped in history and adding sparkle to the most famous royal women of our time. These pieces are the basics that every new royal watcher should be able to recognize instantly.
Most of the jewels were acquired by or customized by Queen Mary, grandmother of the present queen. Queen Mary had a certain knack for obtaining jewels (and other precious antiques), whether by purchase or carefully dropped “hints”, which were more akin to boulders being dropped on butterflies.
Her capacity to collect never diminished, even in her later years. So when the women of the British Royal Family adorn themselves in rich, sparkling diadems or brooches, they have the former German princess Mary of Teck to thank. Profusely.
The photos seen are from the book “The Queen’s Jewels” by Leslie Field. Many are reprinted in the book with the gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen.
In This Section:
The Rose of York . Princess Elizabeth’s Birthday Bracelet . The Prince Philip Wedding Bracelet . The Queen’s Engagement Ring
Rose of York
*Note: This royal couple would undergo many title changes throughout the years. Prince George was originally styled as the Duke of York since he was the second son, superseded by his elder brother Eddy, the Duke of Clarence. When Eddy died, George became the new heir. When their father became king, George was appointed Prince of Wales.
Birthday bracelet
The Prince Philip Wedding Bracelet
This was given to Princess Elizabeth by her new husband, Prince Philip. This, of course, helped to highlight the Princess’ lovely engagement ring, made from the diamonds of Philp’s mother’s old tiaras. The prince’s mother was Princess Alice of Greece.
